Lite and Easy Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

Chocolate Icing

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. 1

   To make the cake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Dissolve the coffee granules in the boiling water and let cool.

3. 3

   Lightly grease or spray a 13" x 9" baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and line the bottom with waxed paper.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

5. 5

   Whisk the milk with the yogurt until blended and add to the flour mixture along with eggs, oil, vanilla and coffee mixture.

6. 6

   Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.

7. 7

   Pour into the prepared pan.

8. 8

   Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched.

9. 9

   Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack.

11. 11

    To make the chocolate icing, mix the sugar and cocoa in a small saucepan.

12. 12

    Whisk in the milk until smooth.

13. 13

    Over medium heat, bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.

14. 14

    Continue cooking and stirring for 2 minutes.

15. 15

    Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.

16. 16

    Let cool for 2 hours (the icing thickens as it cools.).

17. 17

    Spread over the top of the cake.